Box Score: Indians 8, Reds 1

Justin Masterson couldn’t possibly be more dialed in right now. The Tribe right-hander has assumed his rightful role as the ace of the staff, throwing his third straight gem as he led the Indians to a 8-1 victory to complete the sweep of the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field and split the six games of the Ohio Cup. Masterson went the distance, scattering three hits and one unearned run in the eighth inning while striking out nine. The Indians put a five spot on the board in the fourth with home runs by Johnny Damon and Asdrubal Cabrera. Lonnie Chisenhall added a three-run double for good measure in the bottom of the seventh to put the game out of reach. The Tribe is now 36-32 and currently sits in first place, one game ahead of the Chicago White Sox, pending the outcome of their game tonight. The Tribe is off tomorrow before opening a three-game series in Houston on Friday night. Ubaldo Jimenez will face Lucas Harrell.

Kirk Lammers grew up on the Marblehead Peninsula and is a graduate of THE Ohio State University. He now lives in Northeast Ohio, and you can find him at the ballpark, at the Q, or far too often on Twitter (@WFNYKirk)."

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I like the idea of marson catching most days with santana DHing vs righties and playing 1st vs lefties. His def almost cost us the game last night. I know it jeopardizes the DH if marson would get hurt.

REEPJP

Just noticed the weather in the box score….it’s hot here in cubs, but was it really 107 degrees at game time? If so, I’d say their thermometer was sitting directly in the sun.

The_Matt_Of_Akron

We better hope the AL wins the All-Star Game if we end up facing them in the World Series.

#tribealltheway

FearTheRoo

Does anyone else understand why Cunningham is still on the team? I understand they like him to play left field for defensive help at the end of games, but we really don’t have any better options? I sure how we trade for a legit LF at the deadline. Someone to share time with Damon. Quentin Soriano or Willingham?

FearTheRoo

*hope we trade

Kildawg

Watching this game, I think most people would’ve confused Nasty Masty with another Justin, one named Verlander (especially in the 9th), but Nasty never topped 96 (that other guy throws 5 MPH faster).

Foghorn Leghorn

Ubaldo and Masterson start rolling and this team is dangerous! Lets get it going boys. If we can get offense out of 6 of 9 in the lineup along with some bullpen mafia, we can compete with anyone. Im looking at Chis, Kip, Cabrera, Kotch/Hafner, Santana, Bradley, Choo, and just ONE more…. step up Duncan/Damon!

Vindictive_Pat

You might get your wish… Damon seems to be making better contact with his swing the last several games.

mgbode

we were just making it an actual challenge to “keep the cup”

Steve

They need a 4th OF who can play CF. Brantley may be playing every day and slapping out some singles, but he hasn’t proven he is an everyday player yet, not with that OBP and injury history.

And I feel that Damon is starting to heat up. He’s not going to start putting up great numbers, but his BABIP wasn’t going to stay under .200 all season. Just like Kotchman has kicked it up after his poor April start, Damon will too.

Harv 21

a tribe outfielder just ended a 20 game hit streak and hasn’t proven he’s an every day player yet … Wait, Is that you, Mr. Cashman?

Harv 21

Noticed that Astrubal actually ran out of the box when he homered this time rather than imitating Barry Bonds. Probably figured Dusty would place a plunking order if he pulled that 2 days in a row.

Steve

Through those 22 games he had only 6 XBH and 4 BB. Having a bunch of singles fall in over such a short time frame is not a sign that one has figured it out.

Only played in 114 games last year, his career high. Has had some legitimate injury issues since becoming a major leaguer. He has to get through a season unscathed before I’m willing to pencil him in as an everyday guy.

Harv 21

alas, Steve, the guy who wields the actual pencil will have no such hesitation. Even if a trade brings someone there won’t be two better OFs in Cleveland this year or next. That’s my point, not that Brantley is already a top-line OF. He is only 24, and plenty of guys develop power in their mid/late 20s. I happen to think he’ll be fine.

Steve

I’m not saying you won’t play him if you can. But that you can’t count on him (yet) to not miss extended time. You want a bench OF who can play all 3 positions to begin with, but when your CF is a decent bet to miss time, you definitely need to keep an OF on the bench who can play there.

TribeTimeNow

This was by far their best all around game of the year! Beginning to end.

I'm thrilled. Because what is the normal course of things in other orgs - promising young player working out in the off-season with his older, better teammate - is cause for notice, even celebration here.Really amazing what an awful off-season the Browns have had. And it's not even DUI/Resisting Arrest season yet. When the league […]

Easy there, mgbode. Winning the QB job for the worst 2014 football team in the league isn't really saying much. And let's not forget that McCown has played BEHIND such notables as Jeff Blake, Jon Kitna, Matt Moore, Jake Delhomme, Chad Pennington, Duante Cullpepper and Caleb Hainey on the depth chart during his career. Pretty […]

Wouldn't be surprised if Ray and Mike knew about Justin's issues and drafted him anyway because they had a player in Joe Haden that can relate and help Justin deal with those issues.Likelihood of having two Joe Hadens on the field: HIGH!!;)